Nical, Are you a commercial, fishing or passenger carrying vessel? If not, I don't think the USCG even cares if you have a life raft.

That's exactly it, the coast guard doesn't care if you have one if you are a private recreational craft. If you are a commercial charter boat then you are required to have life raft and various other equipment depending on where you are operating and how far offshore.
Sounds like the raft re-packer is trying to sell you something you don't need.
Brian